Connect Week in Pasadena, 2019 (File Photo – Akiko Whalen)
Pasadena is gearing up for a high‑energy celebration of its innovation ecosystem as the City of Pasadena Economic Development Division partners with Innovate Pasadena to host Connect Week, a five‑day series of events running April 12–16. The initiative aims to showcase the city’s leadership in deep tech, life sciences, climate innovation, and quantum computing—fields where Pasadena has long been a national standout.
By Rena Kurlander
Connect Week will bring together founders, investors, researchers, and students to collaborate, exchange ideas, and highlight the groundbreaking work emerging from Pasadena’s institutions and companies. From breakthrough medical technologies to pioneering climate and quantum solutions, the city is home to organizations tackling some of the world’s most complex challenges.
“We’re excited to bring together innovators from across Pasadena and the region during Connect Week,” said Economic Development Director David Klug. “These events highlight the collaboration and talent that make Pasadena a hub for meaningful innovation.”
Innovate Pasadena Chairman Mike Giardello echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the community‑building mission behind the week. “Connect Week is about strengthening connections across Pasadena’s innovation ecosystem. From students and startups to established companies and world‑class research institutions, this week showcases the community that makes Pasadena a unique innovation hub.”
A Week of Innovation-Focused Events
The schedule features a mix of receptions, competitions, discussions, and hands‑on experiences:
| Date | Time | Event |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday, 4/12 | 4 p.m. | VIP Kickoff Reception at The Langham Huntington, Pasadena |
| Monday, 4/13 | 6 p.m. | Pasadena Innovation Showcase with pitch competition featuring students from Pasadena City College, Caltech, and ArtCenter College of Design |
| Tuesday, 4/14 | 2 p.m. | Quantum Day Pasadena |
| Tuesday, 4/14 | 6 p.m. | The Climate Cost of AI |
| Wednesday, 4/15 | 3 p.m. | BioTech Crawl |
| Thursday, 4/16 | 6 p.m. | Pasadena Tech Happy Hour |
Organizers say the week is designed not only to highlight Pasadena’s longstanding strengths in research and technology but also to deepen the connections that fuel future breakthroughs.
A full schedule is available at Luma.com/InnovatePasadena. Organizations interested in sponsoring Connect Week can reach out to Jennifer@InnovatePasadena.org or TGarcia@CityofPasadena.net.
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